The Port Hedland Port Authority exported 13.63 million metric tons of iron ore in January, a 2.4% increase on the previous month, according to the Authority website.

The Authority didn't provide any further breakdown of the figures, which collate monthly iron ore shipment data from major port user BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP), along with new entrants Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (FMG.AU) and Atlas Iron Ltd. (AGO.AU).

In December, BHP shipped 10.64 million tons and Fortescue 2.67 million tons, making a total of 13.31 million tons, according to Authority data.

Slowing demand from steelmakers has forced many global iron ore miners to cut production, but exports from Port Hedland seem to be holding up, based on the Authority's data.

BHP is due to report its first half profit Wednesday and analysts speculate that, while the company is maintaining volumes, it may have achieved lower realized prices for the product.

-By Stephen Bell, contributing to Dow Jones Newswires; 61-8-9244-4243; sgbell@bigpond.com

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